Summary: The Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for processing the bi-weekly payroll for approximately 80 plus employees. Responsible for managing and administering employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and retirement plans and coordination of leave of absence program. Responsible for maintaining compliance with federal and California payroll standards and provides essential support to the Human Resources and Finance department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Process bi-monthly payroll in accordance with current Federal and California standards and practices
2. Function as point of contact for payroll information
3. Work with Human Resources Manager for onboarding and off boarding employees
4. Assist with employee tracking of hours
5. Knowledgeable of current payroll laws and compliance
6. Ensure new employees enroll into eligible health, dental, vision and life insurance policies
7. Provide support to adding employees to our 403(b)-retirement account
8. Upload to retirement portals after payroll submission
9. Act as liaison with 403(b) plan record-keepers to ensure timely and accurate administration of enrollment, participant deferrals, employer contribution timing, regulation changes and monitoring of compliance.
10. Prepare and submit annual financial reports and payment to regulatory agency
11. Transmit worker’s compensations payments and provide back up for annual audit
12. Assist in grant expense and payroll allocation
13. Prepare and book journal entries for payroll related accounts
14. Reconcile paid time off, benefits liability accounts and accrued payroll monthly
15. Serve as the audit liaison and prepare documentation in support of external and internal audits
16. Perform work in collaboration with key stakeholders
17. Act as a resource to others on Ad hoc projects
18. Work cross-functionally with management and other departments to improve workflow
19. Document procedures as needed.
20. Provide required information on time and with a high degree of accuracy and transparency
21. Ability to work independently and multi-task, with a strong attention to detail
22. Ability to communicate effectively; excellent verbal and written communication skills
23. Strong PC skills, including solid experience with standard Microsoft products
24. Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective work relationships with coworkers, clients, members, providers and customers
25. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Required Qualifications

Education and/or Experience: Sufficient training and experience is required to demonstrate the ability to perform the above duties and responsibilities and to attain the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below. 

• Preferred Education: Degree in Finance or Accounting or a related field
• Preferred Education: Bachelor in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Healthcare
• Required Experience: 2 years of experience working in payroll and human resources function
• Preferred Experience: previous experience working in FQHC, grant funding environment

Additional requirements as listed below:

• Commitment to working in the Native American and surrounding community
• Commitment to community health care
• Familiarity with community health clinics and/or Indian Health Clinics preferred

Language Skills: Able to read and comprehend at a college level; able to communicate professionally in person and in writing.

Reasoning Ability: Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Apply logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches, solutions or conclusions in order to effectively resolve problems. Strong character and use of discretion with highly confidential information. Regularly takes the initiative to recognize problems and clearly explain potential solutions.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of QuickBooks accounting software, online human resources and time tracking programs, Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation.

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently lift, carry, push, pull objects, including bodily motion
• Moving on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly from one work site to another
• Substantial movements of the wrists, hands and or/fingers to operate computer and other office equipment such as telephones and printers
• Occasionally ascend/descend stairs to access different departments

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Highly dependable team player with positive and enthusiastic attitude. Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where adapting to change is necessary.

Acknowledgement: The San Diego American Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class, political affiliation, or belief.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473 and 473a). In other than the above, the San Diego American Indian Health Center, is an equal opportunity employer.